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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Efficient Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Benzenes in Water via Persulfate-promoted Benzannulation of α,β-Unsaturated Compounds and Alkynes
Published on: December 16, 2019
Imines that react with phenols in water over a wide pH range
Maki Minakawa1, Hai-Ming Guo, Fujie Tanaka
1Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
New cyclic imine derivatives react with phenols, including tyrosine in peptides. These reactions occur efficiently in water across a broad pH range and temperature, yielding Mannich products without catalysts.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Phenols, including tyrosine residues in peptides, are important biological molecules.
- Developing efficient methods for modifying phenols is crucial in chemical synthesis and drug discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel cyclic imine derivatives capable of reacting with phenols.
- To investigate the reaction conditions and scope for these imine derivatives with phenolic compounds.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of novel cyclic imine derivatives.
- Conducting Mannich reactions between imines and various phenols, including tyrosine-containing peptides.
- Optimizing reaction conditions, including pH, temperature, and solvent (water).
Main Results:
- The developed cyclic imine derivatives effectively react with phenols.
- Reactions proceed smoothly in water over a wide pH range (2-10) and temperatures (room temperature to 37°C).
- Mannich products are obtained in good yields without the requirement for additional catalysts.
Conclusions:
- Novel cyclic imine derivatives offer a versatile platform for phenol modification.
- The developed methodology provides a simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing Mannich products in aqueous media.
- This method has potential applications in peptide modification and the synthesis of complex organic molecules.
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